Just like my Freaky Friday Interviews of aspiring authors, I’ve discovered that there’s a whole world of YA bloggers just starting out. I thought it would be fun to highlight some of these newbie bloggers because-lets face it-bloggers are freaky book lovers too and we should all work together in our quest to take over the world one YA book at a time.
Today’s interview is with Marion James.
Marion and I met on Book Blogs. He has a wonderful blog called Palm Books Journal.
Marion brings a guy’s perspective and international flair to the interview. He’s our very own book blogging 007. *grin* I can’t wait for you to meet him, so lets get started…
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your blog?
Knowing that finding a following is hard as a newbie book blogger, what do you bring to your blog that would make authors have you as a reviewer and readers use you as a source of information?
*He’s up to 104–who is going to be lucky 105?
I was wondering, you’re located outside the United States, English is a second language and you’re a guy (which is very cool). Do any of these factors impact you positively or negatively as a reviewer?
There has been no negative feedback so far — thank goodness! Most of them welcome you when you’re new at all this. And there is one who said to me, "It was nice to see reviews from a guy’s perspective". I was so glad to see that they accepted me even though I was a guy because most of the fellow book bloggers are out numbered by girls. There is no discrimination, it’s fair and equal. Though I was looking for some dudes who liked reading the same as I do. Well, fortunately I found one and he is a Filipino like myself. He has been blogging a long time before I was and he was glad to see a another guy who had a similar craze for books.
I think its awesome that you’re giving a guys perspective. I really appreciate it. Can you tell me what your favorite 5 books/authors are?
First, be patient, you don’t have to rush everything, sometimes you have to wait longer to accomplish something you want.
Second, there must be an aspect of professionalism, if you dillydally too much and if you loosen your grip, you might fall off and it will be difficult to stand up again.
Third, ask for assistance, you don’t need to carry it all, there are times you cannot do it by yourself.
Fourth, accept challenges, negative feedback, errors. Mistakes are really a bummer but you have to learn from them. It should be your "Confidence Booster" instead of making you feel down and give up.
Lastly (I think), don’t forget to have FUN! It is very essential. You don’t become a blogger because "you need to" but because "you want to". Don’t think of it as work or responsibility, you need to think of it as fun and exciting. It is your choice on how you manage your blog and how will it be successful in the future. :]
Thank you too! I enjoy reading your blog, Palm Books Journal, but I also really love hanging out with you in the cyber world. You’re stuck with me now Marion! *grin*
You can find Marion James in a number of other fun places–facebook, twitter and goodreads. Be sure to stop by and friend/follow him–you won’t regret it. He’s a wonderful guy. :o)
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Great interview! Nice to "meet" you, Marion. It IS great to see a guy involved in book blogging. I wish you every success in the future. 🙂
(((hugs))) for this "baby" blogger!! I like what you're doing! 😀
Thanks Ms. Kim, I enjoyed this interview so much! ^^
Me too! Thanks so much Marion-looking forward to continue reading your blog! :o)